By Mal Butler
A record 102 tractors took part in the IW Classic Tractors’ Charity Road Run.
The annual event, which has been running for around 15 years, was a huge success with one of the organisers, David Lemonius, saying: “It was amazing. Last year we had around 80, but this time, 99 started at the B&Q car park, in Newport, and three more joined us along the way.
“I don’t know why so many took part this year but we said on social media that people could register on the day and we had an extra 37 sign-up. It’s a bit more hassle with the paperwork, but doesn’t really matter; it’s all about people enjoying themselves.
“The 100 don’t stay together for the whole journey which takes around four hours to complete, as some tractors who have come over from the East Wight turn off at Chale. But it’s quite a sight when we’re all travelling along the road.”
The ride-out raises money for two local charities, Hampshire & IW Air Ambulance and the Alzheimer’s Cafe, based in Cowes. David added: “We haven’t finished counting yet, but we hope to beat last year’s total which was £2,000.”
After leaving Newport, the convoy travelled through Thorness and Porchfield to Shalfleet, and along the Yarmouth Road before turning off at Hebberdens and travelling to Calbourne Road and Carisbrooke.
They passed through Gatcombe and into Chillerton, before a scheduled pit stop at Cridmore Farm. Afterwards they continued through Chale Green, Shorwell, Brighstone and Brook, before taking the Military Road and finishing at Compton Farm.
Isle of Wight Observer